About a year after Jose Mourinho insisted that the Scottish Midfielder couldn’t go home from the Manchester United Season award ceremony without a trophy of his own, Scott McTominay displays why his manager held him in such high esteem. The 2018 MUFC Manager’s Player of the Year has shown consistent growth and a mature mind with outstanding performances in the United midfield against Champions League giants like PSG and FC Barcelona. As a result, his current manager describes him as United’s “New Darren Fletcher”. Scott’s defensive prowess, composure on the ball, and the fact that Fletcher (like him) is Scottish are just the tip of the iceberg of their uncanny resemblance on the field.

With just a glance at the loss against Barcelona, Scott McTominay came off the field as one of the many United players that gave Barcelona a scare. A poll conducted by the Manchester United Website shows that 52% of the fans voted McTominay as the Man of the Match. It’s easy to see why he was voted for after carrying these numbers against a fully capable Barcelona team:

80% Passing accuracy

67% take-on success

100% defensive aerial duels won

100% tackles won

5 ball recoveries

3 fouls committed

In addition to such amazing stats against the likes of world-class players like Messi, Coutinho, Suarez, Rakitic, and Busquets; it is clear that McTominay has no fear or doubt once he has stepped onto the field. In the absence of regular starters like Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic, McTominay has calmly stepped up to fit into both roles when needed. He has been played as both an excellent holding midfielder and in a more natural box-to-box role for his team. He plays with both the passion and class required for a Manchester United midfielder – he works tirelessly on the field and doesn’t hide when he’s faced with tough opposition, his talent is undeniable. In the words of the BBC’s sports Chief Football Writer, Phil McNulty, “The huge plus in defeat for Manchester United was the performance of Scott McTominay. Mature and perfectly at home in a game of such significance. Excellent.” I believe most United fans feel the same way as McTominay’s ability to step up when needed is a testament to the future that awaits United’s midfield – we can only wait to see what a player he is to become.

What did you make of his performance? How far can he go in a United shirt? Let us know in the comments below!